Renault signs senior Mercedes F1 design engineer

The Renault Formula 1 team has signed Mercedes’ head of powertrain integration Matthew Harman as its new deputy chief designer. 

Harman will begin working for the Enstone-based squad from September 1, where he will assist chief designer Martin Tolliday in the design of future cars as the French manufacturer looks to consolidate its recent performance gains. 

Renault said it is looking to benefit from Harman’s wealth of experience through his work at reigning world champions Mercedes – which has dominated the current V6 hybrid engine era – having previously “ensured seamless integration” between the power unit, transmission and chassis.

“Over the past three years Bob Bell has been leading the charge for the team to reinforce its technical line-up,” Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul said. 

“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Matthew’s calibre to enable the team to anticipate on the design cycle of future cars, a crucial benefit, something we are currently missing since the team’s acquisition and that will become even more important with the upcoming changes planned for 2021.”